The 2024 Mental Health America Conference kicked off with a bang, drawing in over 900 clinicians, advocates, and industry leaders for a day full of impactful events. The morning began with inspiring remarks from MHA President and CEO Schroeder Stribling and Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson at an opening luncheon, setting the tone for an engaging and educational day ahead.
Attendees were then treated to a series of breakout sessions covering a range of important topics, from mental health innovation to community responses to disaster and humanitarian crises. The afternoon was filled with insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities, giving participants the chance to learn from experts in the field and share their own experiences and perspectives.
As the sun began to set, the conference took on a more solemn tone as Mental Health America’s young mental health leaders gathered on stage with Stribling and MHA Board Chair Pierluigi Mancini to ring the iconic Mental Health Bell. This tradition, symbolizing hope and progress in the fight for mental health awareness and support, served as a powerful reminder of how far we have come in our understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.
The evening’s highlights included the presentation of the Clifford W. Beers Award to Renee Jones, a passionate mental health professional, speaker, and survivor advocate who has dedicated her life to supporting and empowering others. In her acceptance speech, Jones spoke of her ongoing commitment to fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the mental health community.
The night concluded with a thought-provoking conversation between former Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, Philomena Kebec, and MHA Board Member Madhuri Jha, discussing the importance of mental health advocacy and the need for systemic change. Kebec shared her personal journey of healing, emphasizing the significance of addressing structural injustices within her community as a crucial part of her own mental health journey.
Kennedy echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for political leaders to prioritize mental health as a bipartisan issue and invest in resources that support the overall well-being of individuals. As the conference continues through Saturday, attendees are sure to be inspired and challenged to think differently about how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape.
